Good morning, My fiancée would like to offer me a watch, an engagement tradition in her family and asked me for my opinion. I've been looking around for a good value watch for under 4000$ ( don't want to go much higher since I'm not buying). Most watches falling into this categorie seem to either have an ETA generic movement or a 40+ diameter. I have a few vintage watches (mostly UG) and I gravitate towards these because of there smaller diameter and of course there esthetics. But she would prefer to buy a new watch and have it ingraved to celebrate our engagement. I would like your opinion. In 2016 what would you buy or influence someone to buy? Size should be under 38mm, below 4000$ (Let's say 5000$), Swissmade if possible (she's Swiss) and preferably a dress watch. I would love to get a triple date but I'm not sure these exist in that price range. Thanks for reading and giving your opinion. J
For sure!!! A vintage non-38x or 3x18 El Primero will still be reasonably priced. For example (not related to or recommending any of these sellers): http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=7184611&rid=0#msg_7184611 http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/ze...d-ca-1973-20-0220-416-goldplated-1061486.html Even this TV, though I suspect it's 40mm: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs...nith-movement-blue-01-0200-415-a-2088866.html Hope this helps. ben
How about an aquaterra? I would guess they come within your budget, there is Tudor but that would mean an ETA movement
Nomos fits for new, size, price, dress, and in-house. But not Swiss. (I've never owned one but do admire them.) Swiss brands have priced themselves out of that niche, I'm afraid.
Plenty of choices in this category & budget, both new and vintage. Since you will always have that watch, best to find one you really like and will enjoy wearing, else it'll just sit in a box to be dragged out on anniversaries. Congrats on the upcoming nuptials!
Thank you @Darlinboy the reason I'm asking is that I want something that will last. As I mentioned she doesn't want to go vintage. Are the generic ETA movements still made to last or are we going towards a disposable apple watch types. Don't worry I would never get an Apple Watch. How does Frederique Constant manufacture, Louis Erard, Modern day Longines and Tudor compare to the in house movement of Nomos. I like Nomos but they are a little bit plain. Unless I'm mistaken there isn't much in the under 40mm diameter? EDIT : Most information I can gather is from Hodinkee and I would prefer having the OF opinion. Sorry to be a annoying!
Cartier Tank Solo would be a good choice - classic & timeless design, dresses up and down easily. Zenith's Captain and Ultra Thin lines have quite a few configurations of traditional dress watches that would also fit the bill. Really - the field of choices is overwhelming, so I get where you're coming from. Nothing wrong with ETA movements - they dominate the industry for a reason, and are used (sometimes with modifications/decoration) in many high-end references.
I would go with Omega Aquaterra stainless steel with blue dial. Find in AD where you might get better discount than boutique. It has in-house movement Caliber 8500, gorgeous dial, 38.5mm size (choose the mid size), 150M WR. It costs USD 4400 in Jomashop http://www.jomashop.com/omega-watch-23110392103002.html. Probably the only problem is finding area for engraving, since it has sapphire case back. This might help http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?106578-Engraving-sapphire-glass-casebacks
Over 50 years ago my uncle Art, a Patek trained watchmaker, told me the best buy in Swiss watches was Omega. To the best of my knowledge, nothing has changed.
Right now my choice would be a Longines from the Heritage line, a new watch with a vintage look. The Conquest L1.611.4.75.4 or the Flagship L4.795.4.78.2 are good options IMO
I'd agree with that, also the Seamaster Pro Ceramic Calibre 2500 is superb, its often overlooked but it has evolved over the years into an extremely well rounded, reliable and bulletproof companion.
How about this one in our very own FS forum? https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-aqua-terra-8500-white-dial-full-set-reduced.33478/#post-384937
A JLC reverso might be within range, and would give plenty of space for engraving. Or if you could stretch to Austria, a Habring2 Felix... You could engrave along the band of the case rather than the back. Congratulations on the engagement
JLC would have been my first choice but it's over budget. I'll treat myself to a Master Moon when I finish my Ph.D. and get my first job!
There are a couple that might be within range http://www.jomashop.com/jaeger.html?gender=Men's&price_filter=$1000-$5000